The December meeting of the Huntington City Council was an abbreviated one, it usually is as it always occurs just before the Holidays, and the overall theme of the meeting was saying goodbye to outgoing Mayor Hilary Gordon and council-people Laneea Cowley and Mark Justice. Mayor Gordon was installed as mayor just before the Crandall Canyon mine disaster almost 11 years ago and it seems that she has never been out of the lime light ever since.
Her legacy will include new lights on Main Street, flower pots around town, walking trails, a new fire station, Emery County’s first stop light, an improved rodeo grounds and a lot of new sidewalks, curb and gutter and finished roads.
Mark Justice has just completed serving a total of 12 years on the Council, eight years in this run, and Laneea served four years. Mark has been over city roads and has done a good job for the city.
Laneea has been in charge of the Youth Council and has done a great job with them, whether it be serving at the annual rodeo or helping with annual Christmas Party or with other projects.
In City business, the Council approved an ordinance that no longer charges home-based businesses that have an affect on their neighborhoods for a business license.
This is going into effect on Jan. 1, 2018. All businesses still need to apply but those that meet the qualifications will not be charged if they apply for the exemption. Huntington City and Emery County signed a contract for the use of the billboard located about a mile north of the lake.
The City will now be responsible for the signage and will still have to meet UDOT rules.
“I have loved serving this community,” was the final thought of the Mayor at the conclusion of the Mayor’s report. Mayor-elect and current councilman Lamar Guymon added “I hope to be able to fill her shoes, the Mayor’s job takes a lot of work.” Laneea added “I have enjoyed working with the City, I am going to miss parts of this.”
Then the Council, the Mayor and city employees went off to a Christmas dinner.
A new mayor and councilmembers will be sworn in Jan. 2 at 1 p.m. at the city office in Huntington.
Huntington Council says good-bye to Mayor Gordon
Mayor Gordon